Peabody Opera House

Peabody Opera House

The Peabody Opera House was formally the Kiel Auditorium which was built in 1934. Kiel was built in such a way that it was split in two sections. The north half was the Opera House and the southern half was the sporting arena. The Kiel Auditorium was the home to the NBA team, the former St. Louis Hawks, and the St. Louis University Billikins. The stage area of both halves were built back to back so that they could be opened up to each other so as to be able to use both sides at the same time. The seating capacity was 9,300 and second only to Madison Square Garden as the most famous wrestling arena, hosting three NWA World Heavyweight Championships. In 1991 the Kiel was closed down and the south sporting arena side was demolished and was replaced by the now named Scottrade Center which opened in 1994.

From Keil to Peabody

Promises were made by several development companies and mayors of St. Louis to reopen the Kiel Opera House side, but nothing came of those promises for almost twenty years. In 2010, financing was finally in place and the long promised renovations began. Peabody Energy bought the naming rights and changed the name to the Peabody Opera House.

Attend an Event at the Peabody Opera House

Today the beautifully restored Peabody brings concerts, family shows, theatrical performances and other events to its lavish concert hall for St. Louis audiences to enjoy. Such nationally know artists as Norah Jones, Lyle Lovett, the Radio City Rockettes, Sesame Street Live and other events have been seen at the Peabody. Private corporate events, special occasions and other private events can also be held at the Peabody.